Better Bites for Lexington Kids: Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

Introduction: Among states, Kentucky ranks 3rd in childhood obesity rate and 6th in adult obesity. Whereas many factors contribute to Kentucky's obesity epidemic, a promising approach to alter the course of the problem is improving people's accessibility to healthful foods. Increasing menu options at concession stands at recreational facilities are prime venues to pilot test this strategy, particularly for facilities whose primary audience is children. Methods: During summer 2011 concession stands at two Lexington Parks and Recreation Centers implemented a menu of healthful snacks (e.g., fruit, yogurt, chicken sandwiches, bottled water) to supplement offerings of high fat content foods, candy, and sweetened beverages. Results: Over two months, this menu, called Better Bites, changed the pattern of purchases at these centers. Better Bites sales at Woodland reached 10% of total revenue in June and 13% in July. Better Bites sales at Southland accounted for 7% of concession sales in June and 8% in July. Popular Better Bites items included bottled water, grapes, bananas, apples, and chicken salad on whole wheat bread. Revenue from candy decreased 23% from 2010 ($6,194 vs. $8,045). Discussion: Making more healthful foods available while using only modest promotional tactics changed buying behavior at these pilot test sites. Conducting audience research to improve the marketing of Better Bites, expanding healthful menu options, and increasing dissemination to other recreational venues such as a minor league baseball park, bowling alleys, roller skating rinks, school sporting events, and community pools during 2012 should provide additional data to help sustain the program.